This week brings a debutante and the second best BBL performance of the season.
Devan Bailey (Manchester Giants)
It’s a debut slot in our line-up for the Giants’ playmaker, having inspired his team to a valuable home-floor success against north-west rivals Cheshire Phoenix. Bailey enjoyed an incredible shooting night and could hardly miss from tip to buzzer. He went five of six from inside the three-point line and was a flawless four of four from beyond the arc to help accumulate an excellent 22 points. However, it wasn’t only his shooting which caught the eye, since he also weighed in with six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Drew Lasker (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders)
It’s a second appearance of the season for the Raiders’ guard who also featured back during Week 16. This time he grabs a berth after propelling his team to a home victory against Durham Wildcats as the hosts avenged a bitterly disappointing loss at the Pavilions only a few weeks ago. Lasker may play in the backcourt, but he still managed to land a double-double after some great work and hustle on the glass led to him finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds. He also showed his leadership and experience by dishing up five assists and grabbing a fine four steals.
Kareem Maddox (Newcastle Eagles; pictured)
The forward has been on fire again of late, having previously lit it up in a big way around November of last year. He is beginning to recapture that level of performance after delivering the second best display anywhere in the league this season against Surrey Heat last Sunday. He amassed an extraordinary performance valuation of 47, a statistic only surpassed by Eagles team-mate Charles Smith. He harvested a mammoth 26 points and 20 rebounds (including 10 offensive boards), as well as four blocked shots, to help Newcastle secure a vital road victory at Surrey Sports Park. Maddox is currently the player with the most starting five BBL Team of the Week places this season, this being his sixth.
Mike Tuck (One Health Sharks Sheffield)
The Sharks’ big man secures consecutive appearances in our line-up, his upturn in form coinciding with his team picking up some of their best victories of the season. And, so far at least, there have been none quite as important as last weekends’ exceptional BBL Trophy semi-final win at Cheshire Phoenix. Tuck was instrumental in helping Sharks put one foot in the Final, which takes place at Emirates Arena on Saturday 9th March. He was phenomenal on the boards and that was the key to the game, the forward taking 19 rebounds to go with 16 points in what was a sparkling double-double effort.
Adrien Sturt (London Lions)
The centre has arguably been the standout player for London Lions this year and he secures a second BBL Team of the Week place. This latest spot comes courtesy of a terrific contribution to help the capital side take victory against Manchester Giants. He showed terrific efficiency inside, making 10 of his 12 attempts in and around the hoop, and also showcased his shooting-range by knocking down three triples for good measure to help the Lions move up the table as they continue in their quest to grab a top six finish.
Off The Bench – Carlos Fernandez (Worcester Wolves), Kai Williams (Worcester Wolves), Andrew Keister (Durham Wildcats), Mike Baldarelli (Durham Wildcats), Charles Smith (Newcastle Eagles), Frank Holmes (Surrey Heat).
